A review of biopharma start-up dealmaking and financing activity from July through September 2019, based on data from Strategic Transactions. Fundraising activity fell 23% from the second to the third quarter, but start-up M&A surged, led by Vertex's acquisition of Semma. 

The company will focus on core therapeutics areas like oncology and cardiovascular disease, but left open the possibility of future work in neuroscience with a genetic basis for drug development.

Public Company Edition: IGM raised $175m to advance its IgM antibodies and Henlius brought in $410m for its novel drug and biosimilar platforms. Also, Acadia follow-on brings in $250m, PTC sells $350m worth of stock and debt, and Karyopharm royalty deal totals $150m.

BioNTech has plenty of cash and is gearing up for an IPO, but money from a Hong Kong investor is in limbo. Plus, Satsuma and SpringWorks bring US IPO total to 34 this year, Fate's FOPO raises $150.5m and Pharvaris brings in $66m.